Serum galectin-3 levels in women with PCOS

J Endocrinol Invest. 2014 Feb;37(2):181-7. doi: 10.1007/s40618-013-0032-y. Epub 2014 Jan 9.

Abstract

Aim: Galectin-3 (Gal-3) plays a role in modulation of adiposity, glucose hemostasis and inflammation. The association between Gal-3 and the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is not investigated. We aimed to evaluate galectin-3 levels in serum and their relation with hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance (IR) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and in control subjects.

Materials and methods: 56 women with PCOS were enrolled along with a control group of 41 healthy women, matched for age and body mass index. We measured hormonal and metabolic parameters, as well as the serum galectin-3 concentration of each participant. We estimated the IR according to the homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).

Results: Women with PCOS had higher levels of serum Gal-3 compared to healthy individuals (3,588.77 ± 1,566.94 vs 2,491.33 ± 812.04, P < 0.001). Serum Gal-3 levels were correlated with progesterone (r = 0.241, P = 0.025), hirsutism score (r = 0.296, P = 0.006), insulin (r = 0.479, P = 0.028), HOMA-IR (r = 0.514, P = 0.017), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (r = 0.246, P = 0.022), testosterone (r = 0.252, P = 0.019), and free testosterone (r = 0.306, P = 0.004).

Conclusion: Galectin-3 levels are higher in patients with PCOS, and there is a positive correlation between galectin-3 level and IR, androgen levels and hirsutismus scores. Gal-3 may be a new mediator of PCOS via IR, hyperandrogenism.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Body Mass Index
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Galectin 3 / blood*
  • Humans
  • Hyperandrogenism / blood
  • Hyperandrogenism / complications
  • Hyperandrogenism / metabolism
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / blood*
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / complications
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / metabolism
  • Testosterone / blood
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Galectin 3
  • Testosterone